At age 63, you're in the cusp of being full-time villagers. The Villages is by far, the most "active" lifestyle community....or sit and do nothing.
It's not a wide open country sort of place. It's not rural, but is set in central Florida which is indeed rural horse ranch country and farmland. Kind of like Las Vegas in the middle of the desert.
Don't get too swept up in where you might buy in The Villages. The lifestyle sales agents will push you to look South of the Florida turnpike (Eastport and beyond). But there won't be much there realistically for 5+ years, maybe ok for your timeframe. Check out rental info and more at
The Villages 101 The Villages 101 You've come the right place for renters and snowbirds to learn about The Villages "Florida's Friendliest Hometown". Neighborhoods, house rentals, activities, and pointers to the many other resources.